Is there a way to clean...

I had the same question:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1154792651&openmine&zzPawlowski6132&4&5#Pawlowski6132

Now, I don't think a RCM can match what one can pull off by hand. Here's my process:

1. I have a dedicated station where I keep the Shopvac, Steamer, Distilled water, brushes, holding rack, etc.

2. I Steam one side of the record using a standard clothese steamer. Mine looks like a vacuum with a 5 inch attachment I wave over the record to loosen up grime and we the record

3. Over that, apply Record Research Lab Deep Cleaner with Mobil Fidelity brush. Use bi-directional scrubbing.

4. Vacuum off using Shopvac, 5 inch attachment covered with cotton cloth.

5. Apply Record Research Lab Standard Cleaner with Mobil Fidelity brush. Use bi-directional scrubbing.

6. Vacuum off using Shopvac, 5 inch attachment covered with cotton cloth.

I also use the RRL stylus cleaner and of course the standard dry brush for dust which has settled from the cleaning station to the table. I also have a can of compressed air handy.

Further, I have a room air cleaner running during the day to help eliminate dust in general and a room humidifier to ensure static electricity is neutralized.

discwasher or a variation of, and a lent free cloth.....i've maintained a minty collection since the age of 12 doing it manually.

"I had the same question:"

Pawlowski, thanks for the pointer to the thread. I read through it and found some good ideas. Your method sounds interesting, but is there any danger in the application of steam to the vinyl surface?

Jaybo, truth be told I've been using Last for at least 20 years and have not had any real complaints. But I've always wondered if a deeper application or better method of removal would improve the outcome.

"Pawlowski, thanks for the pointer to the thread. I read through it and found some good ideas. Your method sounds interesting, but is there any danger in the application of steam to the vinyl surface?"

I think the only risk is that you don't keep the steam moving. Think of ironing your clothes. Everything's OK unless you let the iron rest in one place too long. Other than that, it's just hot distilled water.

P6132.....which shopvac model did you get to do the
job....I guess the small one is all you need ?
Was any special accessory required ?
How much dit it cost ?
Thanks

I have a Nitty Gritty machine and RRL fluids, but I have also had good results using just an alchohol based cleaner and microfiber cloths (I like the super soft "auto detailing" cloths at Target--they don't scratch the vinyl!.) This is especially good for filthy thrift store finds.

I like Pawlowski6132's response even though it is more intense than what I do. I use a rubber LP workmat and use a steamer (Eureka 350 w/the best distilled water I can get), Disc Doctor, Steam again, type of cleaning process for worst case/best results cleaning - all by hand. I use either baby towels or microfiber cloth to wipe the records (found some NICE microfiber cloths at some $1 stores nowadays!) I have a friend that uses an ironing board (w/cover) to steam clean by hand and he basically can only use one hand/arm. So with 2 working hands it's a snap.

I learned the proper steaming technique directly from Charlie Rehm (he is the one that pioneered it and had to convince (repeatedly) Michael Fremer that it worked and was worthwhile). He provided an actual demonstration (it should have been videotaped).

If an LP is not extremely dirty or of unknown origin then many times steaming alone will produce fabulous results.

I use a Swiss Air (local area to TT) humidifier w/distilled water and a digital humidity temperature meter to continuously monitor RH near the TT set-up.

Like Charlie I believe that steam cleaning lowers the tendency of an LP to become electrostatically charged. It's fun, inexpensive and non-toxic.

Also bear in mind that the TT mat plays an important role in static as well. Best mitigation technique is increased humidity (60+ % in TT area).

Pboutin; I'll try to post some pix here tonight of the vacuum.

Been late getting back to this. I'd like to refine the question toward the cleaners themselves. Does anyone have any thoughts as to which of the major cleaners (if any) lead the pack when used with manual application?

Disc Doctor.

However if you can't afford it, then at the very least get the best distilled, or reverse osmosis, water that you can and a Eureka 350A steamer. Even without "cleaners" you would be AMAZED how well Steam, done right, will clean up your vinyl! And, of course, it all needs to be done manually AND it will not degrade your LPs the way some chemical cleaners can.

As I mentioned before, even if you can afford the Disc Doctor products you MUST steam clean the LPs to get maximum playback potential from them. I have empirically tested this with all types of systems so whether you have an Acoustic Raven TT with a Schroder tonearm and a Lyra Titan cartridge or a Music Hall with a Goldring cartridge you WILL notice the difference.